Types of Anxiety Disorders

Anxiety disorders can be identified when anxiety or fear are excessive, persistent and interfere with daily life. Treatments include medication, talk therapy or psychotherapy.

First, visit your doctor to determine if there are any physical issues that could be causing your symptoms. A psychiatrist or other mental health specialist can determine the kind of anxiety disorder you have.

Generalized anxiety disorder

Everyone feels anxious now and then There are legitimate reasons to worry about things like job obligations, health or money. But when the worries become constant and overtake your life, you could have a more serious anxiety disorder, known as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD is defined by dread and anxiety that can alter the entire life of a person. They tend to assume the worst and that minor problems can become major problems. GAD can be a problem for anyone, and it usually starts in adolescence or childhood, but can occur at any age. It is twice as prevalent in women and those assigned to be female at birth, as it is in males.

GAD can trigger physical symptoms, including stomachaches and headaches, and make it difficult to sleep. It can also interfere with social and work-related activities, leading people to isolate themselves from friends or family and cause an eroding of self-esteem. People who suffer from chronic and severe GAD are more likely to experience depression However, treatment can help manage both disorders.

While the specific cause of anxiety disorders is unknown however, they are linked to genetics and changes in brain structure that affect the way your body responds to stress. Certain experts believe that an imbalance of neurotransmitters within the brain plays in.

GAD is not curable, however it can be controlled through psychotherapy (talk-therapy) and medications. Talk therapy or psychotherapy includes several therapies that help you recognize and alter negative thoughts, emotions and behaviors. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that will help you learn to control your distorted thinking patterns and reduce your fears by confronting them. Some physical symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness could be cured by taking medications. They include antidepressants, benzodiazepines as well as some medications that treat seizures, like hydroxyzine.

GAD is a difficult condition to diagnose, but you should seek treatment if your worrying or other symptoms of the disorder are evident. Early treatment is more effective since it lets you control the anxiety and physical symptoms before they take over your life.

Panic disorder

This type of anxiety disorder is characterized by frequent episodes of extreme terror and fear that peak within minutes (panic attacks). This disorder can also cause chest pain, shortness of breath or the feeling that your heart is fluttering or beating (heart palpitations). They are often concerned that their symptoms may be signs of heart attacks. People with panic disorder may also be at risk of developing other anxiety disorders, including depression and other health issues such asthma or hyperthyroidism.

Researchers believe that anxiety disorders are caused by a combination factors. Some research suggests that they could be related to malfunctioning circuits in the brain that regulate emotion and fear. Other studies suggest that genetics and life experiences, like trauma or abuse in childhood are the most typical causes of anxiety disorders. Many people with anxiety issues have a first degree family member who suffers from the condition.

Anxiety disorders can cause people to feel constantly anxious, even though they know that their fears are not rational. This can cause problems in social situations, work or school. People with anxiety disorders may also have difficulty sleeping or eating well. They may also have tension in their muscles, irritability and trouble concentrating.

A person suffering from generalized anxious disorder may be worried about a variety of daily tasks, including job responsibilities and family problems. They might also feel anxious and fatigued, or have difficulty concentration. They might also be concerned about their safety or that of others.

The good news is that there are effective treatments for anxiety disorders. Treatments include psychotherapy, medication and complementary health methods. A mental health professional can help determine what disorder is causing your symptoms and suggest the appropriate treatment. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy can help you understand how to cope with your anxieties and decrease the number of panic attacks you experience. There are many types of psychotherapy, including cognitive behavior therapy as well as exposure response preventative. These therapies can be performed individually or in group.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a severe condition that can interfere with everyday life. It causes intense anxiety, fear and avoidance of social situations. It can appear in the early years of adulthood, but it usually starts in the early years of childhood. It may manifest as anxiety in certain social situations, such as speaking in class or going out on a date. It could also be more widespread, and include avoidance of all situations that could result in being considered a failure.

The person with SAD might realize that their fear is irrational but still feel powerless. They try to manage the symptoms by avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, but this only makes them feel even more anxious. They may also develop „safety behavior” to reduce their anxiety. For example drinking alcohol, remain silent, or avoid eye contact.

Certain people suffering from SAD might benefit from medication in addition to psychotherapy. These medications, also known as antidepressants, may help balance the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Some examples of these medications are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).

If you or someone you know suffers from social anxiety disorder, it’s essential to seek treatment. Untreated, the condition can be debilitating and lead to other mental health issues such as depression or addiction to substances. If you or someone else who you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts contact 911 or your local crisis line or text TALK (741741) to consult with a crisis counselor.

Only 1 in 4 patients suffering from anxiety disorders receive treatment. Treatment is impeded by an absence of awareness of anxiety disorders, low investment in mental health services, and stigma. It is also important that your healthcare provider is aware of the various types of anxiety disorders, so that you can be properly diagnosed and treated. Ask your doctor to refer to an expert in mental health when you’re unsure if you have anxiety disorder or use an online screening tool.

Specific phobias

A person who has a specific fear has a constant and a heightened fear of one or more things, situations, animals or even other people. These fears may be out of proportion to the threat posed by the object or situation, however they can cause significant distress and interfere with functioning in daily life. In contrast to other types of anxiety disorders, specific phobias cause anxiety over only one stimulus instead of multiple stimuli. The target of the phobia may be anything from heights, dogs, flying to injections to crowds. This condition is prevalent throughout the world and is more common in males than women, and is more likely to begin in childhood or adolescence. People with specific phobias know their fears are irrational however this does not lessen the intensity of their symptoms.

Children with specific fears usually get over them. However in the event that the fear persists as an adult, it can be difficult to treat. panic anxiety disorder diagnose the disorder based on the symptoms reported and their impact on daily function. Before determining a phobia, doctors are able to rule out other disorders with similar symptoms, such as agoraphobia or social anxiety disorders. In previous editions of the DSM adult patients were required to acknowledge their irrational fears in the diagnostic process. However the 2013 edition states that this requirement is no longer needed for adults.

There are two kinds of treatment for specific phobias: cognitive behavior therapy and exposure therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy concentrates on changing the way that people react to their fears and teaches them better ways to cope. Exposure-based therapy involves gradual and systematic exposure to the feared object or circumstance. The patient might begin by thinking about the object, or situation. They may then move on to look at pictures of it, walking near an elevator, playing with toys, going to an animal park and viewing real snakes, and then riding a crowded lift. While this type of therapy does not alleviate phobias but it can dramatically decrease the severity of its symptoms.

Psychotherapy and medications like antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are also options to treat specific fears. People with specific phobias who try these therapies frequently report improved outcomes.